HPCAC to host public forum on Hands-Free Driving Ordinance, May 14
Published on May 8, 2024
In an effort to make Huntsville’s roads safer for drivers and pedestrians, motorists will soon receive citations if they use hand-held digital devices while driving. To help the public learn more about the City of Huntsville’s updated Hands-Free driving ordinance, the Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council (HPCAC) will host a community forum on Tuesday, May 14.
The HPCAC community forum will be held at 6 p.m. in the AV room at Hampton Cove Middle School. Council President David Little and Huntsville Police officers will attend to answer any questions residents may have regarding the public safety goals behind this City Council action.
The City’s new Hands-Free Ordinance became law on January 1, 2024, and prohibits drivers from doing the following while operating a motor vehicle:
- Using a wireless telecommunications device to write, send, read or otherwise engage in any text-based communication;
- Watching, recording or capturing photo or video;
- Engaging in voice-based communication while holding a wireless telecommunications device; or
- Physically holding or otherwise supporting a wireless telecommunications device with any part of their body.
Though the updated law was passed by the Huntsville City Council earlier this year, the updates do not take effect until July 1, following a six-month public education period.
The HPCAC hosts quarterly public forums on public safety topics throughout the year. The schedule and locations are posted on HuntsvilleAL.gov/hpcac web page.
